Updates are Coming!

I've had all of our updates written out and posted on a secured blog. I'm now in the process of moving them over here. There's fun updates like... Conversations With My 3 Year Old.... and photos... and more stories... and Charleigh!

Family Updates

I'm working on an update, as I can through out the day. It's coming soon!

Fred Updates!

I always do have good, really good intentions of keeping our little spot on the 'net updated.

Really I do.

Super fantastic intentions even! But alas, my intentions don't lead to fruition very often.

Today, naptime (well, let's face it... it's "hang out in your room" time for Fred), is available. The house is (mostly) tidy, and I have a wee bit of time to share some updates on our bundle of energy.

Yep, that would be Fred.Sometimes known as an "unstoppable force" or "unending ball of energy".  Yeah... good times are always happening here.  Especially when the "unstoppable force" is not even remotely interested in going to his room for quiet time.

But, he is amazing and so so so much fun to be with. Here are a few "Fred-ism" that are too fantastic not to share:

• Fred has recently "discovered" his nipples... but is convinced that his belly button is also one of them. He'll argue with you for the better part of an hour. But, if you ask him to show you his belly button, he gets it right every time. (And, for the record, no we don't ask him to show us his nips.)
• Fred has fallen in love with dinosaurs. Big time. Loves them almost as much as he loves his cars.
• Fred loves to play this little game with us... and he thinks it's HILARIOUS. He'll ask for milk, and then as I am just a second from pouring it, will say "No... Juice!". So, I'll ask him if it's juice he wants. He says yes... and so I get it out and start getting his cup ready (juice = 4/5 water+1/5 juice), and he'll change his mind wanting milk. This can go on and on for ever. 
• He does the same thing with "movies". It normally starts out with wanting to watch Wal-Yee (Wall-E), and then to Cars, and then to Dinosaurs (Land Before Time, or We're  Back!), and finally back to Wal-Yee... and it continues on. 
• Fred LOVES to color. (Mommy LOVES that Crayola makes washable crayons and markers that only work on their special paper. The walls have been spared - so far!)
• Fred LOVES music, dancing, and singing. He also really enjoys pounding on the piano.
• Fred continues to love reading books and looking at pictures. (Yay! for the DVD system called "Your Baby Can Read!" I believe it works)

Freddy is TWO!

Oh my stars and bananas... I've been playing a LOT of slide shows in my mind covering the last two years.

I keep asking Steve all kinds of reminicent questions, and he shrugs or just smiles at me.

I often wonder what this little man will do in the coming year.

He sure has changed ours in the last two...

Here's a brief update on his "accomplishments":

• Freddy can count to 15 (though he has no clue what the numbers are or mean. It's more like the words to a song for him)
• Freddy is putting together strings of 2-5 words into sentences.
• Freddy loves to sing.
• Freddy enjoys dancing!
• Freddy totally digs music.
• Right now, Freddy can't do anything without a wheeled toy (plane, train, or car) in his hand. (including eating dinner, sleeping, going grocery shopping, and bathing)
• Freddy LOVES to ride bicycles, tricycles, big wheels, scooters, and his Elmo Mobile. Unfortunately, though he is persuasive (to the older kids who let him take their wheeled objects), he isn't big enough to ride most of them.
• Fred's most recent toy facination is trains... mostly Thomas the Train, but he loves our IKEA set too.
• Freddy loves being outside. He loves walks ("want walk") and playing in our backyard ("want to play 'oussside'").
• Freddy will ask you to tickle him by coming up to you, starting to giggle, and saying "tickle tickle". 
• Freddy is not into climbing on things (Yay for furniture) or play ground climber things (boo! for not burning more energy!)
• Freddy loves to run (Wun Mommy Wun!)
• When asked if he is "Mommy's Baby", he'll say... No! Red's Baby or ... Baby Red!
• Fred has a very definite idea of where "his" seat is on our couch. Generally it's where anyone else is sitting.
• Fred LOVES his Daddy (the feeling is mutual) and will often go trolloping upstairs to wake him up.
• Freddy is accomplished in the art of saying "Peas", "Tank Eww", and "Wekome". Sometimes all in the same string of words. :)
• Freddy's favorite foods are hot dogs, apples, bananas, lasagna, yogurt, cheese sticks, oatmeal squares (cereal), steak, french fries, sliced carrots, baked potato chips, and popcorn.
• Fred wakes up around 7:30am each morning, takes a two hour nap each day (or at least he remains in his room for two hours), and goes to bed at 7:30ish each night.
• Fred still loves to "read" books and have books read to him.
• Fred can identify most pets, farm and jungle animals.... and can tell you what noises they make too. 
• Freddy is can identify family members in photos, and will either point to them if you ask him where they are, or will point to them and tell you who they are.
• Freddy rocks at airplane flights (most of the time - 'cause Mommy knows how he rolls), and has taken almost 15 round trip flights in his whopping 2 years of age.
• Freddy has our bedtime routine down pat... right down to hugs, kisses, and noses. (Noses are a thing that just Steve and I do with him. Basically it's eskimo kisses x 3.)
• When coming out of "time out" (yes, it's not all rainbows and butterflies here... we have stinky diapers and all to deal with), Freddy will pat your head when saying sorry. We're still trying to figure out where the head patting thing came from.
• Fred loves to sing "Ginkle Ginkle" (Twinkle Twinkle little Star) while grocery shopping with mommy.
• Fred took a gymnastics class. It was more of an organized chaos class to me.

With all of that being said, Fred really is a great child and I consider myself blessed to be his mommy!

Fred-ism's and an Update!

Obviously, I don't do well with keeping this blog updated.

Quite honestly, I stink at updating any of my blogs. Facebook has become my resource.

But, I am working to get better!

So, with that in mind... here's what our gorgous 22 month old son has been up to and saying...

Fred-isms:

• No!
• No Mama No!
• NOOOO!!!!
• MINE!!!
• We go now, Momma! NOW!
• Want wo!
• Wok! (walk)
• Owwwww-side (when we wants to go out and play)
• Waa Up (Want up!) - Usually said when he wants to see what I'm working on in our kitchen.
• Waa Down (Want Down!)
• MINE!! (Wait... did I already say that one? Well, it's heard more often than anything else!)
• Mik (Milk)
• Jooos (Juice or Water - really... we cut his juice with water, so it doesn't matter!)
• Tank Ewww (Thank you)
• Ess Ewww (Bless you)
• Eckome (Welcome)
• Peas (Please)
• Wassat (Whats that?)
• NighNigh (night night)
• Nap
• No Nap
• Nack (snack)
• Cheese
• Tinky (yep... stinky... otherwise known as... "I have a present in my pants!")

Fred started gymnastics this month at our city rec center, and has a blast. It's really more organized chaos, but his teacher is amazing with the patience of Job! I'm told that it's normal for him to run around like a mad man, and that he'll get used to things. We'll see. He is great though at walking like a bear, jumping off of steps, walking on a balance beam (with me holding his hands), at playing with the ropes, and jumping on a trampoline (it's one of those little trampolines).

Fred is VERY into cars at the moment. We have them strewn all over the house. He loves bicycles, tricycles, and scooters and has been seen trying to "borrow" them from other kids at the park and as we pass their houses when we take walks. I've learned that if I put him down for his nap with a car, he won't sleep a wink. He'll stay there talking and playing with his car for his entire nap time.  He also likes watching airplanes and trains. The lights on police cars, ambulances and fire trucks make his day. It's great (for him) that we live across the street from the fire station!

He's also into puzzles and continues to enjoy interactive books. He surprises me each day with how great he is with his puzzles! He recognizes matching colors and shapes; usually putting the right puzzle piece into the slot at the first try. He also very much enjoys his lego's. We recently moved into the Duplo lego stage (one step smaller). Steve and Fred have a good time building towers.

With the Texas summer heat finally cooling off, we've been trying to spend a few hours outside each day. Fred loves playing at the park, taking walks, and playing with balls of all kinds. He tries to throw them forwards, but they end up going behind him. A former co-worker gave us a set of small soccer goals, and Fred's been learning to get the ball into the goal. Currently, he thinks the goals are more of a fashion accessory than a sporting net. CUTE!

When we go on our walks, I try to mentally check out of what I have going on, and focus on seeing the world as Fred is. Everything is interesting to him, including gum stuck to the road, ant hills (which are VERY dangerous in Texas), frogs, ducks, turtles, ants, dragonflies, dogs, cats, and any other creature we come across. He LOVES to lay and roll around in the grass!

Fred's current favorite foods are hot dogs (don't try and cut it up for him - he'll get quite angry with you!), macaroni and cheese, steak, chicken tenders, roasted broccoli or cauliflower (really! I was surprised too!), apples, scrambled eggs, pork chops, blueberries (his favorite!!), bananas, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, carrot sticks, quesadillas and yogurt. He, most times, has quite the exploring palate!

If I'm ever in a pinch and need him to entertain himself, popcorn is ALWAYS a sure fire bet. He'll sit and eat almost a full bag if I'd let him.

Music remains an important part of our days. Fred will dance his little heart out if I have the right music on (my music, but not Steve's. :)  )  He knows most of the alphabet song and we hear him singing the phrase "Now I know my ABC's" off and on. He's great at songs with actions attached, and I have a lot of fun singing them with him. He LOVES "The Wheels on the Bus" song, especially when it comes to the babies on the buss and their waa, waa, waaa's!

When he's being fussy, or ornery (Hmm I wonder who he got that trait from?), when we're out and about, if I sing one of our silly songs to him, he'll sing with me. I find it quite endearing and love it. Of course, people look at me like I'm strange, but I'm used to it and don't care. Besides, it's not like I'm singing loud enough for the whole store to hear me.  

I try to have some kind of art time with Fred at least once, preferably twice a week. Look for a video (hopefully) later this week with our Thanksigiving craft! He loves coloring with his crayons!

In other news, Steve and I are keeping busy! Fred fills my days, and keeping him on a schedule has made a huge difference in our house! I look forward (as I'm sure ALL mothers do) to nap time at noon, and bed time at 7:30pm. I don't so much look forward to the morning wake-ups as they range from 6am on forward. But, I do look forward to opening Fred's bedroom door and hearing his happy "Hi Momma!" each morning as I go in to get him.

Steve and I both have new phones which allows us to post photos from our phones directly onto Flickr and our video's to our "family" station on YouTube.com. Be sure to check out the updates at http://www.youtube.com/AlesFamily and see what Fred has us up to now!

Fred's 18 Month Update...

I can't believe he's 18 months old already! I know that the days have not gone by any faster than they did in previous years, but it sure seems like it's going faster!

Fred has his 18 month check-up this past Friday. He's 34" tall, has a 19" circumference, and weighs 29 pounds 14 ounces. He's off the chart (or greater than 95th percentile) for his height, 90th for his head, and 75th for his weight - perfectly healthy measurements for our guy!

His vocabulary has increased and now includes words or sayings such as... night-night, shoe, go, we-go, more, drink, cup, dance, water, and Oma (german for grandma). He understands a whole lot more than we realize too. :)

Fred started swimming lessons this past week. They aren't going brilliantly but I think that is because his class is from 7 to 730pm each week night. 730pm is his bed-time. So, as you can imagine, it's been a challenge. However, Fred absolutely loves playing in water. So, the community pool, our neighborhood splash park, and our sprinklers in the back yard are all great sources of fun for him.

Fred has also discovered (and so have I) the fun of a show on cable called Backyardigans. It's full of music and imagination. Fred just digs the music and will dance to it on a regular basis. I love to watch him dance - it is just pure happiness.

Steve is definitely Fred's favorite parent, but he definitely loves me too. Steve is Fred's jungle gym and climbing tree. It's very easy and obvious to see the love that little guy has for his father.

I'm so glad that Steve is such an amazing dad to our son. He is patient, firm, loving, and strong for us all - without him I would not be the mommy I am either!

Love,
Heather

We've added a few more video's on You Tube, and photos to Flickr.

Freddy Updates

So far... here is a list of words Freddy recognizably says:

Mama

Dada

No

Nose

Eye

Elmo
Tickle

Hi

Bye-Bye

Circle

Bubble

Up

Go

Freddy loves to read books, play with cars, and balls. His favorite place to be is outside, with our without shoes.

Fred's favorite foods are: macaroni and cheese, cheese, raisins, dried cranberries, berries of all kinds but especially blueberries, other fruits, oatmeal, yogurt (plain, with honey, and with fruit), all kinds of beans, potatoes, cheese its, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, dried cereals, marshmallows, rice, beef jerkey, spaghetti, and granola bars.

So far he does not like meat, green beans, fresh tomatoes, and cream sauces.

Easter Monkey!

Happy Easter from our little Easter Monkey!

Steve and I have been busily updating the our YouTube channel with Freddy movies and our Flickr account with Freddy photos. Be sure to visit them to see his budding cute-ness! The links are over on the right hand sidebar.

Freddy had his 15 month check up last week. He's on target or above target for all of his developmental milestones. He weighed in at 27 pounds, is 35" tall and his head measures in at 19". This puts him in the 75th percentile for weight, and 95th percentile for height and head. Perfect measurements. There's not an ounce of fat on his belly - he's a bony tall kid!

New Photos and Two new Video's

Last night, I was able to upload new Fred photos here and two new movies here. I'm working on my video editing skills... we have a few really cute video's that we want to share. However, Fred's "junk" is showing and we're trying to keep it off of the internet.

I'll also edit the photos today turning them the right direction, etc.

Ales TV

Man, technology is AMAZING! Seriously, incredibly amazing. 

We now have an Ales Family station on YouTube. I'll try and keep it updated with video's for your enjoyment. Please know that since Fred is our first child, everything he does is interesting to us, so there will be all kinds of "stupid" movies posted. 

And yes, I sing stupid, stupid songs all the time. It's a good thing Fred is small and won't remember much of what I sing!

Enjoy!

~heather

Fred: Month Three

Dear Fred,

Holy crap man - you're three months old. Your dad and I were just talking about how it seems like you just joined our family only yesterday, but that it also felt like you have been with us forever (and that would be true too, but is a different discussion for a different day).

I've become wiser this past month and have started to keep a bullet list of what's happening. You know my brain is getting slower due to lack of sleep! :)

Lots and lots of new things happened for you during your third month - some minor and some major.

Probably the most exciting thing for me, is that you have started to sleep more at night. This is an incredible accomplishment and feat! I didnt realize how wonderful I would feel after only just 5 or 6 hours of uninterrupted sleep! Shazam! I actually think I might be able to really handle being a mommy! YAY! Your naps during the day have started to cut back, and that's fantastic because you sleep more at night! YAY! YAY! YAY! Your Daddy learned that if he puts you into bed with him (on the other side of our King sized bed) in the room where he keeps it really dark and cool, you will sleep all day long with him. This of course brought much frustration over the next few days as your sleep schedule was off. It has however gotten back on track.

A definietly not so exciting for me is that I went back to work and you began your time at daycare. After a bit of research, referrals and opinion gathering, we chose the center where you would go while I'm at work. Though it's a center and not an in-home care person, they're wonderful to you and love you. The sweet ladies there love to hold and love on you. I'm often told that they parade you about because you're just so sweet and cute! You go to them three and a half days each week.

An exciting thing for you is that Wednesday afternoons are Aunt Kimmy and Freddy time. Your Aunt Kim so loves having this special time each week to spend with you. She loves you and loves to love on you! She absolutely adores it when you fall asleep laying on her, or in her arms. I'm glad that she lives close enough and has the time available to spend with you! It benefits us all!

Another great and exciting thing for you is that one day each week is your Daddy day! You get to spend all day long with Daddy while I am at work. So far, you and your Dad have gone on a few fieldtrips (Dad has a great appreciation for the work it takes to get things outside of the house done when you're along for the trip), and have taken lots of walks around our neighborhood.

Not so exciting and wonderful is that you got your first cold. Well, we (the doctor and I) thought it was just a cold - and perhaps it was. You had a little dry cough - no drainage, just a constant dry cough. Then, you started getting a wet cough and your eyes started to have some discharge so the pediatrician thought it would be best to get you on an eye antibiotic. Your eyes cleared up lickety split, but your cough remained. The doctor wanted to see you on a checkup because RSV and a bronchial infection are going around. Well, you didn't have either one of those but because your cough remained they decided it would be best to get you onto an oral antibiotic. It's working brilliantly for you and your cough has gone away. We have a few more days left, until it's gone. Lets keep our fingers crossed that it stays away!

A somewhat exciting thing for you, well for us all really, is that you started taking larger bottles (6-8 ounces) and are having a bit of cereal in your bottle each morning. You, my dear son, are a great eater. No one can doubt that! In fact, when I talked to the pediatrician and she asked how much you were eating, she thought it was too much. Then, she checked you out and realized why you eat so much. You're a fast growing boy! You've maintained the same growth pattern and schedule since birth and have grown 2 inches and 2 pounds again this month! That brings you to 27-1/2" inches tall and weighing in at almost 15 pounds! Most of the clothes you're wearing now are sized at 3-6 months (for one piece play/sleep outfits). Your legs are long but your waist remains slim. As such, your pants are sized 0-3 months, and we wear long socks with them so that you're kept covered and warm.

Another fun development for you this month is that you will make noises (I call it talking) to me. I've always sung silly songs to you and have talked to you in regular words, not in baby talk. Recently, you've started to talk back to me or with me when I'm singing to you. It's such fun - our first duets!

As for more exciting things that Daddy and I are noticing in you...

• You are becoming more interested in people now. You'll watch us and what we're doing - or at least you're looking in the direction of where we are.
• You're starting to become more interested in toys.
• You still detest tummy time. Sorry dude, you're going to have to go through it each day. We'll chalk it up to tough love. :)
• You have finally started to stay in your swing and enjoy it! This is a huge thing for me, as it allows me time to do things without holding you (which I do love to do!!).
• You coo and make other sweet baby noises without any provication on my part. I so love to listen to you prattle on for no reason at all!
• You're learning that the long bendy things attached to your body are hands and arms and that by moving them you can make other things move. Your body is an amazing thing!
• You've started to wiggle yourself about which normally means you're moving in your crib from one end to another. Or you could be turning your body around so that your head is at the foot of your bed.
• Bathtime remains your favorite time. Except, of course, when you're having mommy and daddy snuggling in bed time.

You are growing so darn fast, little Fred. At times when I'm holding you, I'll tell my heart and brain to remember this moments because it won't be long before you don't want to be held or cuddled. You'll be up and running about before I know it.

Fred-let, you are one of the greatest loves of my life. Though I may be exhausted or frustrated at times, I wouldn't change a moment of the last 3 months for anything. There is nothing I would rather be doing than spending time with you and watching you learn about yourself and the crazy world we live in!

Love you!
Mommy

Fred: Month Two

Dear Fred,

I can't believe it's been two months since you entered into this crazy world! Two months. I know I'm going to say that every month, and I really do mean it. I'm amazed at how quickly time flies.

You've started drinking more formula before you go to bed. You've started to be more active with us. I think you're finally starting to recognize our voices. Maybe not necessarily as your parents, but definitely as the most heard voices around.

You've gone from hating baths to loving them.

You rolled over for the first time. I think it was a fluke because you really, really hate "tummy" time and I had you propped up on a pillow. You haven't done it very much since!

You flew on your first airplane and flirted with your first flight attendants. You met your Grandpa Beste, Uncle Scott, Aunt Bekki, Uncle Shaun and your Beste/Price cousins. And, you learned the fine art of high pitched screaming (and your Father thinks it was from them). I was really worried about how you would do on your first flight, but true to your (already developing) character, you behaved like a perfect angel.

You saw the Gulf of Mexico, by way of South Padre Island. You were able to take part in a Beste tradition of road trips for absolutely no reason other than "why not?". You also watched (well, slept through) the Super Bowl while Grandpa Beste and I enjoyed the commercials. It should also be noted that you gave me a wonderful delight at the end of the game - a boy fountain in my face. It was entertaining to everyone around I might add.

You also flew to California and met some of the Dempsey and Ales side of our family! You met your Grandpa Russ, and Grandma Jill. You met your namesake, your Great-Grandpa Fred Dempsey and Great-Grandma Joyce Dempsey. We were also able to visit with your Great-Grandpa Charlie Ales and your Great-Grandma Muriel Ales! On our way to Fort Bragg we visited with Aunt Lindy and Uncle Dave (on the Ales side).

You got to see the gorgeous Mendocino Coast and the beautiful Pacific Ocean.

So many things have changed in our life since you joined us. We don't sleep as much. We defintely drink a lot more caffeine. Simple things amaze us. Tiny things entertain us. Childrens toys have changed over the last 30+ years.

Lots of changes. So very many things. And we wouldn't change it, or you, for anything.

I've gotten to spend every single day of your first two months with you. It's a time I will treasure forever.

Daddy and I "invested" in a FLIP camera and have had such fun taking short video's of you! Here's a fun one of you cooing and making baby noises as you play:

Love you!

Mommy

Fred's First Trip

My parents (Heather's parents - Don and Mary) live in South Texas, and the flight is only 80 minutes or so. With that in mind, I took Fred down to visit. It was also a GREAT way to test out how he will handle flights. We want to take him to California to meet his paternal extended family but worry about having "that" baby on flights that screams from take off to landing. 

Fortunately for us, he was a champion traveler! He didn't peep a bit during either flight, and it made it so much easier for me! What a relief!

Fred experienced a few firsts while down south:

- His first ocean and beach

- His first flight

- His first "real" smile

- His first van ride.

- His first Super Bowl (and this also gave Mommy her first... potty fountain. Niiiice)

- His first interaction with cousins and their noises ... lots of noises.

- His first blessing (from his dad, grandfather, and uncle)

- His first un-assisted and un-propped turn over (he went from his tummy to his back).

We're hoping to get to California soon - possibly as soon as next week! YIKES! Oh the joys of Steve's rotating days off. We are planning on me going back to work on the 18th, so time is running out.

After our California trip, our next trip will hopefully be to Portland, Oregon to see Grandma Sheri, Great-Grandma Linette, Great-Grandpa Cash, and Great-Great-Grandma June... and of course all of the great family who live there!

Fred: Month One

Over the years, I've read many blogs. On one in particular blog, the author writes a letter to her daughter each month. I love the concept behind it, documenting the changes, milestones, etc and the post being a letter to her child. I want to incorporate the same into our blog. Thus, each month (hopefully on, or close to our children's birthday date) I will write a letter to them. As this blog/site is also a family journal it seems appropriate to me to share it here.

Dear Fred:

Hi! It's your mom. Yes, the one in whose body you grew for 9 months and 3 weeks. That would be me. That would also be the same body you stretched out, and the same armpits and hips you loved to put your feet and hands into for hours on end. Hola! and Hello! Welcome to this fine place called Earth! We're thrilled that you've finally joined us, and that you're here!

You arrived on December 17, 2008 at 12:23pm at Baylor Grapevine hospital in Grapevine, Texas and you were delivered by Doctor Thomas Vaughn. Your arrival was by way of scheduled c-section - not necessarily by choice, but certainly by no arguement on my part. You weighed in at 9 pounds even and were 21 1/4 inches long. You had a full head of hair - and what a big head it was; 14 inches! In fact, it was noticeable enough that the doctors commented about your head size when they went in to get you out. 

Your dad, that would be the tall hairy guy you see all the time, was with me in the delivery room and was the very first person to really hold you. He's loved you since the first time he saw you on an ultrasound in my belly, but between you and me, I know he fell in love with you as soon as he laid eyes on you. He was (and still is) pretty excited that you're part of our world. Your Oma (that would be my mom) was waiting to hear about your arrival in the hospital waiting room. She was SO eager to see your gorgeous face - and take oodles of pictures (that's what she does!)

Each time I met with the sonographer to see you while you were still growing, I would leave with a different idea of what you would look like when it was time for you to join us. The first time I laid eyes on you, I was instantly in love with you - more than I ever thought possible. Dr. Vaughn lifted you up over the curtain so I could peek at you before they cleaned you off - and my heart soured. You had the two characteristics I thought you would surely have - lots of hair and pinch-ey cheeks.

We stayed in the hospital for a few days, and once we had the okie doke from all of the doctors (Dr. Vaughn for me and Dr. Creary for you) we went home on Saturday, December 27th. I was so ready to get you home - and your Dad was too! In fact, he was at the hospital close to 5am - which was before visiting hours even started. We had you dressed into your going home outfit and ready to go long before we had the official release from the doctors.

I'll never forget getting you loaded into your car seat, and then loaded into the car. It was so surreal - terrifying and exciting at the same time! 

Oma was waiting at our house for us, and took photos of us getting you out of the car and into the house. It was so nice to have you home. We loved on you as much as we could and then let you sleep. We were very blessed to have Oma stay with us for the first bit as we got acclimated to having you with us. Your Dad and I had so many questions, and worries. We worried about whether you were eating enough, pooping enough, sleeping enough, breathing right, how to care for your umbilical cord, bathing you and your circumscision. Oh boy, we were worried parents (don't worry - all new parents are). Oma settled our fears and let us know that we were doing everything right, and that all was good.

Soon it was time for her to return back to her home, and we dropped her off at the airport. I'll admit that I cried when I left her in the terminal. It's a big scary thing - being 100% responsible for someone so perfect and tiny. But, she assured me that I would be able to do it and that she was just a phone call (or a short flight) away. 

Off to being 100% parents for your Dad and I!

You have changed our lives in so many ways - and in many completely unexpected ways. I didn't realize how much love my heart could hold - and how much my life would change once you came into our home. Loving you at the hospital was one thing, but loving you at home was something completely different. 

Your sleeping schedule was, and still is, much like how you were in my tummy. You sleep all day long and party all night. I can distinctly recall having conversations with friends about you being wide awake in my tummy at 2 and 3am. They would tease me that you were preparing me for your arrival. Boy were they right! You are a night owl! Your sleeping patterns have changed and varied from the very start. However, at the moment, we're working on creating a sleeping pattern for you, and creating a bed time ritual. We'll see how well it works out...

During the day, I try to keep you awake for 3-4 hour stretches (or longer if possible) and then let you nap for an hour or two. Then, at 9pm calm everything down at home. We go upstairs and chill out for a bit reading stories and hanging out in your room. Some days I give you a warm bath, but mostly we just chill out. Then I get you into your jammies (if you're not already in them) and swaddle you tightly (really, you love it). I then turn out the lights, and we sit in the rocker for a bit while we talk about our day, say your prayers, and then I sing to you for a bit. In the end, whether you're asleep or not, it's into your crib you go!

You're a champion eater! You started eating 2 ounces every two hours, and now you eat 4-6 ounces every 4-6 hours. WOW! You have not ever thrown up and we're hoping it stays that way!

For being only a month old, you sure have changed our lives drastically - and I wouldn't have it any other way!

Love you,

Mommy

P.S. I've been trying to write this letter since the 17th of January. And, here it is... the 27th of January and I've finally finished it. Goodness gracious!

Four Weeks!

It's now been 4 weeks since Fred joined our world! I can't imagine a better way to celebrate my birthday than with him celebrating his 4 week arrival anniversary! The love we have for him continues to grow to levels which amaze us. As far as his progression, he's right on target with his development. Here are the things which I can immediately remember:

~ Fred doesn't fight as much when it comes to bath time. Up until today, he would scream bloody murder when he was put into the water. Today he didn't give me a fight and just enjoyed it for the short time it took to get him clean. He also didn't fight me when it came to 'lubing him up' (lotioning his body). That may be because I made sure the lotion was extra warm (Relax - I warm it in my hands).

~ Fred is starting to sleep a bit more. However, he also fights sleep. I am SO grateful when he finally does fall to sleep and either try to catch up on my own sleep or get a few things done around the house.

~ Fred has been a bit congested this week. We purchased a humidifier for his room, and have learned the fine art of suctioning out his nose. He absolutely hates having his nose suctioned, but it's important to get it out. Did you know they have Baby Vicks now? AND... the whole baby pharmeceutical market is nuts! There's a million different baby nasal saline drops, and cold items. 

~ Fred has started to enjoy Tummy Time more. Whew! 

~ It is commonly believed that we've seen Fred's first smile. I am not totally believing it, as it was not to Steve or I, but to our good friend Jeff. Aaaack! I so deserve the first smile. With that in mind, I have (in my mind) gotten a few real smiles out of him. It's either that or he has a LOT of gas when we're playing. :)

~ Fred has started to scoot himself forward when he's on his back. In weeks past, we'd put him onto his back in his crib for bed, and he would be in the very same spot when we would go to get him later. Now, we often find him in new and interesting spots.

~ Fred has started holding up his head for longer periods of time and is much steadier. Not to worry, we still give him the proper neck and head support! 

I'm working to upload more Freddy photos to our Flickr account. You can find them by clicking on Freddy's Photo's over on the right side bar under Photos. I have cropped and resized the photos to be 4"x6" so that they're easier for you to view or reprint if you would like.

Here are a few more short movies for your viewing pleasure. They're just silly videos, but I hope you enjoy them!

The first one cracks me up. It is SO typical Fred. He'll be calm and chilled out. Then, out of no where, we'll hear a couple of coughs and then a yell. As soon as we look at him, he's back to beig calm and chilled out! Fred's in his "chillaxing" aka vibrating seat.

Here's another one. I tried to get him to smile, but he would have none of it. The look on his face makes me think he's wanting to tell me to get the camera out of his face. I remind myself of my father, making up songs that are completely ridiculous in hopes that they'll my child smile. I need to work harder at the smile thing - this song definitely isn't it. However, it does make Steve and I laugh!

I'll be updating our site on Saturday, with Fred's one month photos and letter!

Three Weeks Old

WOW... three weeks already?!? It seems like so much longer, but looking at the calendar I know it can't be true!

Today Freddy had his second PKU test (it's a Texas thing), and was NOT happy with the pin prick they had to do on his foot to draw blood. Poor dude!

Let's see, what to report on for this week's development and news...

Fred doesn't scream at diaper changes so much anymore. I think he's starting to figure out that it's better to have his bum changed than to hang out in a messy diaper.

Fred does the funniest action with his mouth/face when he's hungry. It reminds us of a baby tiger or lion knawing on food. He does it when he wants his bottle or pacifier. I'm going to try and get it on video - it's hilarious!

He belches. Oh boy does the kid belch. Usually it's when he's getting up from a nap, or down playing. It is LOUD. I think he learned it from his dad.

His poop has started to stink. So much for non-stinky diapers. Bring on the air freshener!

People stop me all the time to make sure I know how beautiful, gorgeous, adorable and cute he is. As if I didn't already know!

He's drinking/eating 5-6 bottles a day, each one being 4 ounces. Except for the bottle we put him down with at the end of the night - that bottle is 6 ounces. Our pediatrician shared that he should be eating an  ounce for each hour he sleeps. So, if he takes a 4 ounce bottle, he should shortly afterwards sleep for 4 hours. Our son - not so much! 

While Fred had his first night of sleeping for 6 straight hours earlier this week, it did not last. Our kid does not like sleeping at night. He's definitely a night owl. We're (I'm) working hard at keeping him up during the day so that he'll sleep at  night.  Everyonce in a while he might sleep for 4 or more hours, but it's normally sometime after 6 or 7am. Niiiice. 

I think that's it for Freddy updates this week! Make it a good one!

Freddy Videos #1

I'm sure most of you will not enjoy these, but I know that Grandpa Russ, Grandma Jill and Oma (my mom), and the others totally will! They're silly and have no point at all. They're even mostly just of the baby being a baby - nothing new or exciting!

Enjoy!

December 29, 2008

December 30, 2008

I have one more to share and will take another one tonight to celebrate his 3 week mark!

Freddy's Two Week Checkup

This is a very detailed message intended for Fred's grandparents, but anyone is welcome. 

Today is two weeks from Fred's arrival into this world! WOW... 14 days... it seems so fast already! I can totally imagine how some parents say that the time flies by from when they're babies! YIKES!

Today was also Fred's two week check up with the pediatrician and everything is dandy. He weighed in at 9lbs, 3 ounces, which is just under a pound gained since his last appointment a few days after we were released from the hospital, and he is now 22 1/4" long. That puts him into the 75% for is weight,  height, and head size. I think that's probably a good thing, but I really don't know or understand the whole % thing for growth. His jaundice is gone (he had slight jaundice), his umbilical cord stump has come off (and has healed into what looks like an 'innie') and his 'circ' has healed (and the nurse even complimented him on it - should I be happy that nurses notice this part of his anatomy??!!?). As long as the pediatrician is happy and says we're doing the right thing and he's happy - we're happy.

Fred is eating about 5 times a day, and between 3 and 4 ounces each time. His sleeping schedule is backwards, and we're going to begin working on a few suggestions from his pediatrician (i.e,.  working with him to keep him up longer, etc). His diapers are right on schedule and everything is moving as it should.

His hair is definitely dark blonde - which means I win! Woo Hoo! (Mom and I debated as to whether his hair was dark brown like Steve's or dark blonde like mine - and Grandpa Russ's.) It's the ONLY thing I can take any credit for being right about. His eye color is still undetermined but we suspect they'll be blue or hazel. His eyelashes are currently blonde, as are his eye brows. 

Fred definitely resembles the Ales/Dempsey side of our family. He has an adorable dimple in his chin like his Dad, Uncle Thomas, and Grandpa Russ. He is fussy and likes things done his way like his Daddy too.

We've had a few diaper episodes which I'm sure you'll find humerous - at least I do! One, is that I seem to have a knack for changing his diaper mid "movement". We've often referred to it as his playdough machine. Gross I know, but what do you expect from my family? 

The other funny thing is that Steve had the joy of experiencing boy fountains - if you know what I mean. Of course, this means I got the joy of finding the stream path and getting it all cleaned up. Steve did a nice job of getting what he noticed, but he's a man... seriously he couldn't see it all. At least Fred missed the wall - that's something to be happy for!

Steve somehow managed to pull his back last night around 3:30am - after I had put the baby together at 2am. So, I'm running on little to no sleep which is great training for when Steve goes back to work on the 5th. Of course, we'll get Fred into his schedules and patterns just in time for me to go back to work and him into daycare which will pull it all off again. Great - something wonderful to look forward to (said incredibly sarcastically!).

Two weeks. Gosh. Two whole weeks! We find new things about him every day to love and remember. We've both commented on how much we love his facial expressions and little personality. I can't wait to see what his progress is at his next check up!

Story Time with Dad

Story Time with Dad
Originally uploaded by heather_ales

This photo just warms my heart!

I love reading - and always have. One of the attributes I'd really like to pass down to our son is a love of books and reading. So, it's really no surprise that I've been buying childrens books for Fred.

While I was pregnant, I asked Steve to read to the baby so that the baby would get used to his voice. And, you could tell a difference in the babies movements when he was being read to - you really could! It was so tender!

Anywho... today Steve started reading to Fred. I had asked my mom earlier what we should/could do to entertain him while he's awake. After chuckling for a moment, she gave us a few ideas, one of which is to read to him. Fred really seemed to enjoy it.

Independence... Parental Independence that is!

UGH! My mom is leaving us in the morning to return to her home and in South Texas. I truly don't know what we would have done without here here to guide us and help us out with the first 10 days of Fred's life! Seriously! 

She has talked us down off of so many ledges, and has let us know that the little things are completely normal. (Yes, his umbilical cord is supposed to look like that, or do that, or fall off like that. etc, etc etc.) Who knew that two grown adults (that would be Steve and I in case there is any question) would be so worried about being responsible for one little tiny person?

It's really kind of funny. I've baby sat oodles of children in my lifetime. I've bathed dozens of newborn infants. I've made hundreds of bottles and have changed countless diapers (explosive ones even). Why is it that when it comes to doing the same for my own child I get all flustered? In any case, Mom has been an incredible help to us, and we're truly grateful!

Thanks for being so awesome, Mom! You're an amazing woman and I seriously count myself blessed to be able to call you my mother!

ETA: 12:46pm 12/28 - I admit it. I bawled like a baby as I left my mom to walk through security today at the airport. I didn't realize it would be so hard to have her go!